According to Hart, Punk simply got fed up of working as hard as anybody - as well as touring everywhere - and felt that his effort wasn't being recognised.

"When you look at it closely, Punk's burned out," Hart said.

"He's always given 100 percent in all his matches, and delivered some of the best pay-per-view matches in the past 10 years."

The 56-year old Hart then went on to imply that a lot of it is directly the fault of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

Everybody knows that McMahon has his favorites in the company - they're normally the guys that make most in merchandising - and it's a long slog when you aren't in that circle.

"It's not easy when there are legends who only work part-time, and guys like Punk and Bryan do all the work, and watch someone like Brock Lesnar walk in and take those big matches and big paydays without having to be on the road all the time. I think that had a lot to do with his decision, and rightfully so. One of Vince McMahon's favorite sayings is, 'Life's not fair.'"

And unfortunately for wrestling fans around the world, The Hitman's final words were not encouraging for those out there hopeful of a return in time for WrestleMania.

"I don't see Punk being a factor at WrestleMania, but he still has a lot of greatness left in him. As a fan, I hope he comes back, and as a wrestler, I have a lot of respect for him, too."

What do you think of Hart's comments? Is he right or is there another reason for the 35-year old's absence?

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